OBITUARY

F. Thomas Wall

August 13, 1923 – June 14, 2013

Mr. Francis T. “Tom” Thomas Wall, age 89, of Peabody, died Friday in Beverly Hospital after a lengthy illness. He was the beloved husband of Lillian M. (Mansfield) Wall, with whom he shared 65 years of marriage.
Born in Lynn on August 13, 1923, Tom, as he was known to all, was the son of the late Joseph G. and Mary E. (Cuffe) Wall. He attended Lynn Schools and was a graduate of Lynn Classical High School Class of 1942. He later graduated from MIT in 1950 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and then obtained his Engineering and Business Degree from Northeastern University in 1957.
A proud U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, Tom served in the Pacific Theatre on the aircraft carrier, Shamrock Bay. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal (2 gold stars), the World War II Victory Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Medal (2 gold stars), the Philippine Liberation medal (1 gold star), the Purple Heart and the Naval Reserve Medal. He remained in the Naval Reserves for 39 years until he retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer in 1983.
Thomas later graduated from the GE Apprentice Program in 1950. He started as a Tool and Die Maker and retired as a Manufacturing Engineer. For many years, he taught classes in mathematics and blue print reading at Lynn Trade High School for State Tool & Die apprentices.
He was a proud lifetime member of the VFW and longtime member of the German Club, where he served as Vice President. An avid stamp collector for over 50 years, he was a longtime member of stamp clubs in Florida and Beverly. He tried to interest others in the hobby, even making up stamp starter kits for students. He was a former longtime member of the Lynn Fish & Game Association. In early years, he was an excellent golfer winning several tournaments. Until recently, he split his time between Massachusetts and Kissimmee, FL where he got plenty of use out of his annual passes to Disney World and Sea World.
In addition to his wife, he leaves two sons, Thomas Wall and his wife Donna of Nashua, NH and Kevin Wall and his wife MaryAnn of Amesbury; two daughters, Debra Bridgham and her husband William of Lynn and Cathy Psehoyas and her husband Peter of Georgetown. He was the Grandfather to James Bridgham and his wife Becky of Colorado, Daniel Bridgham and his wife Erin of New Hampshire and Peter, Michael and Matthew Psehoyas of Georgetown. Tom is also survived by 4 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
At Tom’s request, there will be no funeral service. Burial with Military Honors will take place at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Tom’s memory may be sent to the VFW Post of one’s choice.

REMEMBERING

F. Thomas Wall

Lance,Craig,Don,Stephen,Gary Lindgren

April 12, 2014

Sorry for your loss,mom and dad were dear friends with your family. We have fond memories of growing up when we were kids. We also lost mom on April 6 and know what your going through. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Donna Wall

June 20, 2013

He called me Miss America. I only met my husband Tom's Dad a few years ago. I found him to be a charming and sometimes funny gentleman. I got to know him better when my Tom and I went to Florida to help him and Lillian move back up home to Peabody. That's when one morning he said “Here she is Miss America”. Having been a little girl in the fifties I was certainly charmed by his words. He and Lillian always made me feel welcome in their home and in their hearts. I will miss him. May peace be with him and may God bless and comfort his loving family.

Gene Clements

June 19, 2013

Uncle Tom was a great guy and role model. I remember many cook outs and pool parties at his home when I was child . My fondest memory was going to Florida with my Nana and staying with him and my aunt where he would make sure we were at each theme park before they opened. Rest in peace,

Everett & June Mansfield

June 18, 2013

We have fond memories of Tom and LiL and family at Sebago Lake, also Newyears celebration at the Hawthorne Hotel , the 4th of July cookouts in our backyard , you will be missed.

Rick & Ann Mansfield

June 18, 2013

Rest in peace Uncle Tom well deserved.

Debra Bridgham

June 18, 2013

I love you Dad and will always miss you.

Carole Bannister

June 18, 2013

Uncle Tom may have had a gruff way about him, but there was no doubt how much he loved Lilly and his children. This last year was tough for him to be so dependent on others. He fought a good fight right to the end. I will be forever grateful for his and Lilly's hospitality in Florida, especially when Aunti Rene was there too. We had so many good times. Of course, we had to do Disney his way. Rest in Peace CHIEF WALL. Your loving niece, Carole

Bill Sparks

June 18, 2013

Although I have known Uncle Tom all of my life I did not know much about him except that he had been in the Navy and enjoyed collecting stamps, the two things that we had in common. On our last visit to Florida I had a chance to have a long talk with him and he told me of his time in WW2, that is what I will always remember. He will be missed.

Sandi Way

June 18, 2013

Uncle Tom was so special to me and I am flooded with memories of spending weekends with him and Auntie Lilly when I was growing up. He always tickled me when I walked in and their house in Peabody which was like a second home to me. I remember all the good times we had at Sabago Lake and how much love he had for my aunt and his children. I also remember family functions when he would watch TV and then we would hear " ok Lil its time to go " and we would laugh . He always ordered us pizza and I loved him so much...Rest in Peace Uncle Tom you will remain in my heart and memories always and forever , with all my love, your little Sandi Lee xo

JUDY GILLIS

June 17, 2013

I WAS BORN THE YEAR UNCLE TOM GRADUATED FROM HIGH SCHOOL.HE ALWAYS MADE MY SISTER CAROLE AND I FEEL SPECIAL AND HE WAS SPECIAL TO US.EVEN UP TO THIS LAST YEAR WHEN I CALLED TO SAY HI, HE WOULD SAY,"LILLY" IT'S "JUDY PUDY".REST IN PEACE UNCLE TOM. LOTS OF LOVE, YOUR LOVING NIECE, JUDY

Cheryl (Sparks)Bristow

June 17, 2013

I was saddened to hear of Uncle Tom's passing. I had several nice visits with he and Aunt Lilly in Florida.

June 17, 2013

Tom was married to my twin sister for 66 years to the day from June 14, 1947 to June 14, 2013. Sparky and I moved to St. Coud, Florida to be near Lil and Tom. Over the years we had many lively discussions and teased each other often. When I phoned Tom would say "Who is this? and I would reply "Your favorite sister-in-law!" I will miss Tom. Dottie Sparks

Richard Mansfield

June 17, 2013

What a fine tribute. I knew we shared a Navy connection but never knew of his WW2 service and little of his education and careers. He certainly epitomized "the greatest generation." Bravo Zulu, Uncle Tom.

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